The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that its forces disabled an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman after the vessel allegedly violated an ongoing blockade by attempting to transport oil from Iran.
Details of the Incident
Precision munitions were used to target the vessel's engine room following repeated non-compliance by the crew. Since the blockade began on April 13, eight non-compliant vessels have been disabled, 134 ships have been redirected, and 42 humanitarian vessels have been allowed to pass.
In an official statement, CENTCOM said: "At 11:14 p.m. on June 9, U.S. forces disabled an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman for the second consecutive day after another vessel violated the ongoing blockade by attempting to transport oil from Iran. U.S. Central Command disabled Palau-flagged M/T Settebello as it transited the Gulf of Oman."
The statement added: "A U.S. aircraft fired precision munitions into the ship's engine room after the crew repeatedly failed to comply with directions from American forces. CENTCOM forces have disabled eight non-compliant vessels, redirected 134 ships that complied, and allowed 42 vessels supporting humanitarian aid to pass since initiating the blockade on April 13."
Additional Strikes on Iran
Meanwhile, CENTCOM also announced that its forces have begun launching additional self-defence strikes against multiple targets in Iran. The action is described as a response to continued and "unwarranted" Iranian aggression.
In a post on X, CENTCOM stated: "U.S. Central Command forces began launching additional self-defence strikes today at 5:15 p.m. ET against multiple targets in Iran at the Commander in Chief's direction. The strikes are in response to Iran's unwarranted and continued aggression."
Citing Iranian media Mehr news agency, Al Jazeera reported fresh explosions in the port city of Bandar Abbas, noting that the blasts were linked to an incident in the eastern part of the city. Additional explosions were also reported in several other locations, including the southern towns of Sirik and Minab, as well as Qeshm Island and the northern city of Gorgan.
